Transition Year

Transition Year (TY) Programme

The Minister for Education and Science decided to introduce a third year into the Senior Cycle of second level schools commencing in September, 1994. This meant that all third year students were entitled to spend three further years of study in school before completing their Leaving Certificate.

The three years consist of a Transition Year followed by a two year Leaving Certificate Programme. The Transition Year provides a bridge to help students take greater responsibility for their own learning, decision making and problem solving.

The Transition Year is a one year education programme and includes traditional academic and technological subjects as well as Career Guidance, personal and social development, project work and work experience.

The Transition Year provides the opportunity for young people to remain in school and to mature. They acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and techniques to become better and more confident students with greater possibilities of achieving their aims in life.

It provides a year long personal exploratory journey in which students can learn more about themselves, their talents, their abilities and their attitudes to others and to society in general.

Main advantages of Transition Year

That students are given space and opportunity to mature as young people growing up.

That students develop greater self-confidence.

That students become better equipped to make decisions.

That students become more skilled at getting on with other people, particularly their fellow students and those in authority.

That students develop clearer goals and aspirations for their lives.

That students are better prepared for personal and leisure and working life.

That students develop a greater sense of responsibility for themselves in preparation for the wider world.

A recent Department of Education study has shown that students who do the Transition Year have achieved 20 to 40 points more in their Leaving Certificate exam than those who go straight into 5th year from Junior Certificate.

The year also assists the school in allocating students to the most suitable course/class in 5th year. Teachers complete assessments on each student four times in each year.

Maths, Irish and English are core subjects taught right through the year. Teachers will be covering part of the Leaving Certificate programmes in these subjects.

Some new-type subjects which are a special part of Transition Year include, Catering, Photography/Video, First Aid, Drama/Media, Health/Guidance and Social Studies, with visiting speakers and out of school trips. It is very important that students take part in all the activities and trips as they are part of the course.

Work Experience is generally a two weeks placement in May. It is another important part of the course and the assessment.

The end of year Certification is school based.The Certificate is awarded at three levels…..Pass, Merit or Distinction. The level you achieve will depend on the student’s participation and achievements over the year.